National Coming Out Day

National Coming Out Day is observed on October 11 and is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. This day encourages people to openly share their identity and experiences, helping to break the silence that often surrounds issues of gender and sexual orientation. On this day, LGBTQ+ individuals are encouraged to come out to their family, friends, and communities, while allies are invited to show support and solidarity.

History

National Coming Out Day was created in 1988, following a large march in Washington, D.C., where about 500,000 gays and lesbians participated. The idea for the holiday came from Rob Eichberg and Jean O’Leary, both influential figures in the gay rights movement. Eichberg, a psychologist, believed that the most powerful tool for equal rights was personal visibility—when people know someone who is LGBTQ+, it builds understanding and acceptance. Since then, the day has become an annual event for the LGBTQ+ community and its supporters.

Interesting Facts

• In 1924, Henry Gerber founded the first gay rights organization in Chicago.
• The Stonewall Riots in Manhattan on June 28, 1969, were a turning point for the LGBTQ+ movement.
• The first legal same-sex marriage in the United States was registered in Massachusetts on May 17, 2004.
• National Coming Out Day is also recognized in Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

How to Take Part

Show your support for the LGBTQ+ community on social media and in your everyday life. Consider making a donation to organizations that sponsor National Coming Out Day and advocate for equality. Be open-minded and supportive if someone close to you chooses to come out. For LGBTQ+ individuals, this day is an opportunity to be authentic and share your story with the world, if you feel safe and ready.

When is National Coming Out Day in 2025?

National Coming Out Day is observed on October 11 each year.

Observations